Panasonic will add HLG HDR support to select 2016 TVs

Panasonic has confirmed that select 2016 TV models will be updated to support the HLG HDR broadcast format via a firmware update. From the DX750 model and up.

HLG for broadcast TV

HLG, or 'Hybrid Log Gamma', was developed by UK's BBC and Japan's NHK for broadcasting HDR signals via TV channels.

HLG is the third HDR format and differs from the other formats in that sense that it can include both traditional SDR and HDR in the same broadcast signal. That way a broadcaster can reduce bandwidth requirements.

At the Panasonic Convention the company confirmed that select 2016 models will receive a firmware update that will add HLG support. Specifically the DX750, DX780, DX800 and DX900 series.

The update will be rolled out across Europe, Panasonic confirmed to FlatpanelsHD. The company did not announce a specific timeframe but since few broadcasters are experimenting with HLG at this point, the update is not in urgent demand.

Sony and LG have also decided to push out firmware updates to support HLG. LG will update 2016 models whereas Sony will update 2016 and mid-2015 models. The majority of 2017 HDR TVs announced by major brands will support HLG, too.

Panasonic has just unveiled LCD and OLED TVs for 2017. These will, of course, also support HLG.